India includes Farsi as a classical language under NEP

In a significant development aimed at strengthening cultural bonds, External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has announced the inclusion of Farsi (Persian) as one of the nine classical languages in India under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. During a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart, H Amir-Abdollahian, on his two-day visit to Iran, Jaishankar highlighted the deep cultural, literary, and linguistic connections between Iran and India.

The decision to recognise Farsi as a classical language signifies India’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of its rich heritage within the educational framework. Tamil was the first language to be accorded classical status in 2004, followed by Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.

According to India’s NEP 2020, the preservation of works in Pali, Persian, and Prakrit, along with their literary richness, is emphasised for the benefit and enrichment of future generations.

During the Press Conference, Jaishankar and Abdollahian discussed various aspects of their bilateral relations, focusing on political and economic dimensions. They acknowledged the robust people-to-people contacts and emphasized the profound cultural, literary, and linguistic ties that bind the two nations. Jaishankar expressed the shared commitment to strengthening exchanges of tourists, students, artists, athletes, and scholars between Iran and India, exploring avenues for collaboration in cultural and educational institutions.